Nic the Birding Chick

01/31/2025

Sandhill Cranes are the ultimate travelers, soaring high on thermal currents with outstretched wings they sometimes fly over 400 miles in a day! They have rolling, trumpet-like calls that echo across the sky when they’re flying in flocks. On the ground, they’re just as enchanting, wading through wetlands/farm fields and even breaking into joyful dances. Watching them is truly an experience!

01/30/2025

Saw the cutest little Pied-billed Grebe bobbing around Lake Tahoe recently! These tiny, floofy divers are like feathered submarines—one second they’re there, the next they vanish underwater. This one was paddling along, looking extra adorable. A perfect little lake gremlin!

01/29/2025

Birding isn’t always about big lists or rare finds—especially between migrations. Those quieter moments are a chance to notice the moss, lichen, fungi, or just the sounds of the wind. There’s always beauty to explore if you take the time to look.

Slow down. Pay a bit closer attention to your surroundings. You’ll be aw-mazed! I promise. 🩵

01/25/2025

Yesterday’s scouting for today’s field trip turned magical when a Ferruginous Hawk soared directly at us and landed on a power pole just overhead. Checkout North America’s largest hawk in all its awesomeness.

01/24/2025

Please sign…

Please join me in signing this petition to protect the foraging area of the African Penguin. https://only.one/act/save-african-penguins. Your actions can make a difference. , , , 🐧, ,

01/19/2025

A soft, flute-like melody rises from the woods… it’s the enchanting Hermit Thrush!

Known for its ethereal song and reddish-brown tail, this quiet beauty thrives in forested areas. Watch for its gentle hop and pause behavior while it forages on the ground.

Have you heard its haunting tune? 🎶

01/18/2025

When Wildlife Watches YOU! 👀🪿

I love those moments when nature reminds me we’re sharing the same space. Recently, a Greater White-fronted Goose locked eyes with me while I also watched it.

For a few still seconds, we just observed each other — a quiet moment of mutual curiosity. It’s these simple exchanges that remind me how much wonder exists when we pause and truly notice the world around us.

Ever had wildlife watch you back?

01/17/2025

Whoever named the Ring-necked Duck clearly missed the mark. Have you seen its striking ringed bill? It should have been the Ring-billed Duck, no contest! The hidden brownish neck ring is hardly as memorable as that bold bill marking we all recognize instantly. Naming conventions can be quacky sometimes… Just sayin’. 🦆💭

Have you ever noticed a misnamed bird?

01/15/2025

This Snowy Egret made sure I knew it had both eyes on me while it was fishing. What a tude! 🤣

01/14/2025

When Burrowing Owls stand straight-up they look like they have important business to attend.

Wouldn’t you agree? 😁

01/12/2025

The goal is to have more Short-billed Gull energy this year: more inquisitive, increased observations and exploring, and maybe be a bit more cutesy (probably not but whatever, can’t win them all).

01/10/2025

I present to you this adorable female Northern Pintail in the process of telling a male counterpart to scram!

Isn’t she a cutie?! ☺️

Taken a few days ago at the Llano Seco Unit in Durham, California (Butte County).

01/03/2025

The first day of the new year yielded a fly over from this Golden Eagle. Which was then followed by some extra-lovely views.

Fun fact the Golden Eagle is the national bird for five countries: Albania, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and Kazakhstan.

Pictures 1-3 Golden Eagle, 4 View of the Sacramento Valley looking towards Mount Diablo

12/29/2024

We had a very merry green December 25th this year, along Putah Creek, where we spent most of our day with two American Dippers.

12/24/2024

Not the greatest picture, but something I spotted is this Pine Siskin’s lower beak has overgrown. An abnormality for sure but it doesn’t seem to be stopping this little one!

Pine Siskins can store seeds in their crop, equivalent to 10% of their body mass, providing enough energy to survive 5-6 hours of subzero temperatures. Woah!

12/21/2024

I love exploring and I love life birds! Well, yesterday I got two life birds, Lawerence’s Goldfinch and Bell’s Sparrow, plus and I got to explore a few new places too. Win/win!

12/18/2024

Warbler fact incoming!

I love them! That’s all. 😁

This is an Audubon’s Warbler which is a subspecies of Yellow-Rumped Warbler.

12/17/2024

Fun facts about pelicans!

A group of pelicans is called a pod, but they’re also referred to as a pouch, scoop, squadron, or fleet (when fishing together)! Brown pelicans uniquely dive-bomb their prey, flying up to 100 ft (30 m) before folding their wings and plunging into the water.

Added Bonus: A Chill Sea Otter 🦦